Toto Update
 

Hi everybody,

I've been wrapping things up out here in Los Angeles and my mom has been keeping me updated on Toto daily. In the last week he has been having issues walking. He stumbles a lot. She said she carries him when he's having too much trouble getting around. I know Yorkies have weak knees that deteriorate over time. When I was there last month he would stumble to one side every now and then but my mom said it's been worse this week. She also mentioned that he never cries out or seems like he is in pain.

She gave him a homeopathic "remedy" the other day and told me his walking has improved since. I know I mentioned in my first post that I am not really a believer in the homeopathy but that it's a futile battle and I no longer give her crap about it. She takes such good care of him and if she thinks it helps I don't have a problem with it as long as he goes to the doctor at the sign of anything serious.

What really troubled me was what happened two days ago. Toto would not sit or lie down. He stood in place, not doing anything but just kind of staring into space. Mom got down on the floor with him and pet him for two hours until he finally went down to sleep. It's never happened before. She called the vet and the doctor she spoke with didn't really know what it was but said he might have been disoriented. My mom thinks he was confused. She told me she will keep an eye on him and that she will never leave him if and when he has another episode.

Has anyone experienced this with their Yorkies? Is it a sign that the end is near? (You all know how I worry.) I know he's only going to keep fading. I'm hoping to be back in Florida next week but I may not be going to my mom's right away. Thought I'd reach out to the community in the meantime. You have been so kind and supportive and I'm truly grateful for all your thoughts, prayers and wishes.

Love to you and your little ones,
Sam

Confusion, stumbling - I'm wondering neurological issues. Has the vet checked him for that? Does he have a head tilt?

The other thing that comes to mind is liver shunt. I thought I saw a thread around here where they will sometimes have similar symptoms. I would think a trip to the vet along with a full blood panel is in order. Or it could be neurologic. The other thing that came to mind was a seizure; however, I don't think they last 2 hours. Please also know that most Yorkies will not whine or cry out in pain but rather they tend shake when they hurt.

I would definitely take him to a vet - sooner rather than later. Good luck.

My little girl, Ashley, had dementia the last year of her life. The changes in her were very subtle at first, but when we saw her disorientation and confusion when my husband had been hospitalized, we knew something was wrong. She lived just one month shy of her seventeenth birthday. You are such a strong and loving advocate for Toto.

Both my pom and my yorkie Nikki had episodes of confusion as they became seniors. Nikki was estimated to be about 18 and Maya was 12 when they had what they call doggy dementia. They would both just stand and stare at nothing, get into a corner and not know how to get out. There is a medicine that can sometimes help it's called anipryl I think that's the spelling. I would have your vet check out these new symptoms. I hope Toto improves.

I don't have any experience with this to offer any advice other than the info given to you already. I just wanted to let you know, again, that I am keeping Toto and all of you in my prayers. I can feel how hard this is on you being so far away and how much you and your mom love Toto. He knows that, too. Prayers continue.

I dont have any experience with the symptoms you are describing bu t my prayers and good wishes are for Toto

Hi Sam! So glad to see you here. Although, I'm sorry to hear Toto is struggling. :(

Given his age, I'm worried that he has 1) previously had a stroke (ex. stumbling to one side...one-sided issues are often a sign of stroke) and/or 2) Just had another stroke while staring into space and/or 3) has dementia. Geesh, all of that sounds kinda awful, but doggies truly can do well after a stroke or if they have dementia.

A few members here have gone through dementia / disorientation w/ their dogs and what they've found helpful for the doggie is a medication...and I can't remember which one it was, argh! Was it Selegeline....anyone? One of us will think of it. Anyway, that really helped one member's dog in particular and he was so confused; he would also pace a lot, just walk around and around the house, couldn't settle down. Poor baby. Maybe your Mom would be okay w/ you calling the vet and talking to him about it?

Update us when you can, and know I'm sending good thoughts your way. I hope things go smoothly w/ your transitioning to Florida, I know it's been hard on you - but hang in there! :love:

Sending prayers for Toto. How sweet of your mom to spend the whole time comforting him. He is so loved. I hope you are able to figure out what is causing these issues and find a course of treatment or at least an understanding of the progression if it is dementia. Best wishes.

I know it's been almost a month, but for reason I was just thinking about Toto and wondering how he is doing?

I am praying that he is ok.

I'm glad you bumped this thread. I missed it the 1st time around and am glad to hear an update on Toto, even if it is not all good. I hope he's doing ok and hanging in there. He is obviously a much loved and well cared for pup. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Thinking of Toto and sending prayers and best wishes.

Thinking of Toto too and hoping for an update!

Diana and the Scoobster